Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include systems and methods for applying temperature regulated compression and support to certain injured portions of the human body. In particular, the systems and methods relate to a brace to be fitted around a joint of a human for applying therapeutic temperature regulated compression to the joint and having rigid supports disposed therein to provide support for the limb while a patient recuperates from surgery or other injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal column brace system which includes a rigid support, an interchangeable therapy pad, and a front panel. The rigid support includes patches of hook material and also has straps connected to it. These straps are at least partially elastic and also include hook material pads on their ends. The interchangeable therapy pad, on the other hand, has one side covered in loop material, thereby allowing the therapy pad to be attached to the patches on the rigid support. The front panel is also covered in loop material, which may be used to couple to the hook material found on the straps. The therapy pad includes a thermal exchange bladder and a cushion layer. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to a contrast therapy system via an umbilical and fluid coupler. The contrast therapy system includes a hot and cold reservoir. A mixing valve may mix a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs to make therapy fluid of a particular temperature.

Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to both therapeutic cushioning designed to support the head of a patient in bed to improve respiration and a series of devices designed to assist a patient's respiration and administer fluid to the patient, by ensuring such devices cannot be inadvertently removed from the patient in the absence of medical personnel and cause unwanted injury to the patient. At the same, time, a device is provided to assist a patient's breathing in the absence of such assistive devices, e.g., during sleep.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance such as a body brace or a prosthesis includes a substantially rigid structure adapted to be placed against a body portion. The orthopedic appliance of the invention includes a moisture management system for facilitating the removal of moisture that would otherwise accumulate between the affected body portion and the substantially rigid structure. The moisture management system includes a plurality of ventilation holes through the substantially rigid structure, and means for facilitating the transfer of moisture directly out through the ventilation holes to the atmosphere. The facilitating means can include a flexible support means disposed between the substantially rigid body portion, the support means either being porous, or the support means having a plurality of holes therethrough in alignment with the holes in the substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A cast for supporting a limb includes a rigid outer shell, such as provided as first and second assembleable halves interconnected by a plurality of latches. An inner conforming foam insole is supported within the shell and is interconnected by pluralities of linearly extending passageways in combination with radially extending rings and which communicate with additional breathing holes extending through a cross sectional thickness of the insole for introducing an airflow for relieving patient discomfort. A toe attachable fan unit creates the airflow within the insole in communication with a plurality of vents positioned at upper terminating ends of each of the linear extending passageways. A plurality of airbags encircle the insole and are iteratively inflated and deflated to achieve a pulsing massage effect.

Abstract: Active suctioning is used to evacuate a fabric, film or membrane for the purpose of securing orthotic, prosthetic, or other body worn articles, including sports-related articles. In contrast to the straps and tight-fitting approaches of existing devices, the inventive methods and apparatus provide for a slip-free seal to surrounding body parts, thereby simplifying construction, reducing weight, and enhancing comfort. The invention is applicable to any type of orthosis, prosthesis, foot wear, mitts, gloves, and so forth, including apparatus associated with the ankle and foot, knee, hip, back and neck, shoulder, elbow and hand.

Abstract: A therapy system, device and method comprising a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. The wrap further comprises at least one wire and a plug that is capable of removably coupling with an external cooling device. The external cooling device is coupled with the wrap by a cord and the plug to deliver a cooling effect to the body surface, thereby removing heat therefrom. When the therapy is complete, the wrap may be easily removed from the body surface through cutting or similar means, and is entirely disposable.

Abstract: Described herein are temperature-controllable devices, and methods for using them. In some variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region, which is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a splint. The splint may be moldable to at least a portion of a subject's anatomy, e.g., a nose. In other variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and an absorbent pad. In some variations, the devices comprise three layers, in which two of the layers form a fluid passageway region and the third layer forms a pocket or pouch. In this way, the pouch may be configured to receive at least one splint therein, e.g., in order to provide support to an injured area such as a nose. Methods for using the devices to treat an injured area are also described. Kits are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a fracture sight that employs a membrane or covering that wraps and seals the outside of a breathable, orthopedic cast and typically includes an array of spaced apart protrusions on an inside surface to facilitate generally even airflow, thereby providing comfort and/or improved hygiene for the patient when an air moving device is connected to the apparatus and the air moving device is powered on.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods of creating airflow through a breathable orthopedic cast. In an embodiment, a ventilation system includes a covering having an opening for creating airflow therethrough with an air moving device, and a scaffold structure disposed between the covering and the cast so as to maintain airflow a distance from the opening of the covering. In an embodiment, a ventilation method includes placing a spacer and a covering on the cast to enclose an outside portion of the cast, and creating airflow through the opening and the cast enclosed by the covering. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An infrared heating device and therapy for lower back pain includes a belt fastenable around a user so that the belt is overlaying at least a portion of a lumbar region of the user. An infrared emitting element is adjustably positionable between the belt and at a selected area of the user's lumbar region where a user desires pain relief therapy. A portable power supply is attachable to the belt and electrically connectable to the infrared emitting element so that the user can receive infrared therapy at specific selected areas of the lower back while moving, standing, sitting, reclining or sleeping.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device comprises two elongate strips or two layers of flexible material, at least one of which is porous. The strips or layers are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other. Flexible, solid spacer members are arranged between the two strips or layers and connect them together. These members form air passageways between adjacent spacers so that air is normally free to pass along the passageways. A moisture-absorbent fabric layer extends along an outer side of the porous strip or layer opposite the spacers. In an alternate version, there is a first strip which is porous and a series of substantially flat, flexible outer members arranged in a row from one end of the strip to an opposite end. The outer members are spaced from the strip and opposite side edges of the strip and of the outer members are aligned with one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a fracture sight that employs a membrane or covering that wraps and seals the outside of a breathable, orthopedic cast and typically includes an array of spaced apart protrusions on an inside surface to facilitate generally even airflow, thereby providing comfort and/or improved hygiene for the patient when an air moving device is connected to the apparatus and the air moving device is powered on.

Abstract: A treatment device having a first portion in a first plane, a treatment portion with a cover in a second plane that defines a treatment volume extending between the first and second planes, and a flexible transition portion that connects the first portion to the treatment portion. The treatment portion including a polymeric foam ring having interior and exterior walls extending from the first plane to the second plane. The cover spanning the interior wall thereby forming a closed treatment volume. The polymeric foam ring may be impregnated with a medicament selected from the group including an antibiotic material, an antifungal material, an antimicrobrial material, a deodorant material and nitric oxide. The cover may include a pocket for use with an accessory, such as a heater or mapping grid. A method of treating a treatment area on a patient's skin with the treatment device. The treatment device includes a closed treatment volume having polymeric foam ring impregnated with a medicament.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable pneumatic lumbar support is provided having a back section and a leg section adjacent to the back section. A first bladder in the back section inflates to support said user's torso. A second bladder in the leg section supports the user's legs. An air compressor integrally and operatively coupled with the first and second bladders are selectively capable of separately inflating each bladder. A temperature control region integral to the back section provided for administration of hot or cold therapy.

Abstract: A self-contained heating and cooling orthopaedic brace is described. The brace generally includes a main body having straps to support the brace on the desired area of the body. These areas can include the back, knee, elbow and shoulder. The brace further includes inner pockets having heating and cooling pads connected to a temperature controller that allows manual adjustment of the desired temperature. The heating and cooling elements in the pad typically utilize the Peltier Effect. The temperature controller can include a rechargeable battery for prolonged use. In addition, the brace is a material that allows temperature retention for further prolonged use. The user's own body moisture is also retained for moist heat applications.

Abstract: A thermal treatment garment of the present invention includes an outer structure layer formed of a pliable material, an interior lining formed of a gel material which directly contacts the wearer skin and a thermal treatment layer to thermally treat and control temperature of the interior lining. The thermal treatment layer heats and/or cools the gel material to a desired temperature and is typically disposed between the structure and gel layers. The thermal treatment layer is controlled by a controller that receives a user-specified or desired temperature. An intervening layer can be disposed between the thermal treatment and structure layers. The intervening layer secures the structure, thermal treatment and/or gel layers to each other and can be an elastomeric material to which the gel and/or thermal treatment layers readily adhere. The garment may be adjustable in size to snugly fit body parts of users in a range of body sizes.

Abstract: A thigh cuff extension for use with a medical brace. The thigh cuff extension includes a plurality of flexible and conformable body portions releasably and adjustably connectable to one another so as to provide a cuff body adjustably positionable to snugly encircle the thigh of a user, at least one substantially rigid stay member associated with each of the body portions, and an extension member associated with one of the rigid stay members and connectable to the medical brace.

Abstract: A venting device adapted for placement around body part prior to application of a surgical cast including a piece of fabric and aerating devices affixed to the inner surface of the fabric. Padding material preferably made of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or PLASTAZOTE and is affixed upon at least some of the aerating devices and is positioned to be disposed between the body part and each aerating device. Padding material may form a plurality of padding envelopes into which aerating devices may be inserted. Aerating devices are preferably elongate perforated tubular members. Padding material may be elicoidally wrapped along the length of the tubular members. Padding material can have perforations some of which align with perforations in the tubular members. To assist the tubular members to bear the weight of the body part, rigid cylinders can be placed over portions of the tubular members and stoppers at the end of tubes can be provided.

Abstract: A light weight, portable thermal rescue/recovery system for mammals up to 300 lbs. In in weight, comprising of a mummy bag which contains a circulating liquid which is either heated when the mammal needs to be warmed as in the case of, for example, a mammal suffering from hypothermia, or cooled when the mammal's body temperature or skin temperature needs to be lowered as in the case of a burn, stroke and some heart attack victims. The mammal is placed into the mummy bag of the portable thermal rescue/recovery system which also has a pump to circulate the liquid and a heat exchanger to cool or heat the liquid. This portable thermal rescue/recovery system is suitable for all rescue vehicles including helicopters, boats, EMS ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, avalanche rescues, ice rescues and air cushion vehicles, as well as stretchers and other manual transport means, among others.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment device for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient, and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber, wherein the support member comprises a pressure adjustment section movable between a first position and at least one second position to adjust a pressure of a medium within the first chamber.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in thermal contact with the bandage over a tissue treatment area, a heat spreading means acting between the heater and the bandage for laterally spreading heat transferred from the heater to the bandage in order that heat be substantially uniformly distributed across the bandage.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device comprises an elongate strip of porous fabric material and a number of relatively short, elongate plastic tubing members distributed over and attached to the elongate strip on one side thereof. The tubing members each extend substantially parallel to this one side and are open ended. The elongate strip can be wound around part of a human's body or an animal's body prior to application of a surgical cast. Preferably the tubing members each have ventilation holes distributed along their respective lengths. The fabric material can be gauze and the tubes can be attached thereto by adhesive. A multiple hook array fastener arrangement can extend along and be secured to a first longitudinal edge section and is adapted to detachably secure its edge section to a second, opposite longitudinal edge section when the fabric strip is wound around the body part. A number of different types of aerating devices that can be used instead of plastic tubing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anatomical support (1) for immobilizing or supporting a body portion fitted with a fan (9) for providing controlled airflow in a channel (8) that is located in the side of the anatomical support (1) approximate to the body portion of the user and/or between the anatomical support (1) and the body portion of the user.

Abstract: A disposable splint that has a brace, at least one instant cold pack, and an attachment means for attaching the brace and the at least one instant cold pack to a wearer's limb. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable splint is secured to the wearer's limb via an elastic wrap. Also in a preferred embodiment the brace portion is foldable and comprises a bottom brace portion and two side brace portions. Also in a preferred embodiment, the instant cold pack is fixedly attached to the brace portion via a hook and loop connection.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus is provided which includes a heater, a thermally conductive structure such as a bandage to support the heater against tissue, and chemical, phase-change, or hot water means causing the heater to maintain the temperature of the tissue in a range of about 36° C. to 38° C.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in contact with the bandage over a wound treatment area, and an adhesive attachment device for maintaining thermally conductive contact between the heater and the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for the patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of the wound and to the contours of the skin surrounding the wound. The attachment device is fashioned so as to have less pull strength than an adhesive holding the bandage to the person's body so that the heater can be easily removed without disturbing the attachment of the bandage to the person's body. The bandage is provided with a polymeric film for maintaining moisture at the wound site as well as enhancing the utility of the attachment device.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in a predetermined range of the infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The bandage includes a layer that acts as a bandpass filter, permitting IR radiation in the range of wavelengths between 3 and 30 &mgr;m to pass through the bandage to tissue against which the bandage is disposed. A heater is used to generate heat, including IR radiation, and an attachment device retains the heater over or on the bandpass bandage layer. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient, and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at subdermal regions of the wound treatment area.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device including a stretchable piece of fabric material and one or more aerating devices affixed to and located on the inner surface of the material. The preferred fabric material is stretchable and porous and can have a flexible tubular configuration with two opposite ends which are open. The preferred aerating devices are elongate tubular members which are open at both ends and perforated along their length. These members can be affixed to the fabric material by means of a medical adhesive. The venting device is adapted for placement around part of a human body or animal body prior to application of a surgical cast. In a preferred version, the tubular members extend in a longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the fabric.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus includes a heater, a structure supporting the heater against tissue, and a controller connected to the heater for maintaining a tissue temperature under the structure in a normothermic range of 36° C. to 38° C. The apparatus is useful for treating tissue, wounds, and the like.

Abstract: A treatment device having an attachment portion the first plane, a treatment portion with a cover in a second plane that defines a treatment volume extending between the first and second plane, and a flexible transition portion that connects the attachment portion to the treatment portion. The transition portion attaches to the attachment portion by a first flexible connection and to the treatment portion by a second flexible connection, with a minimum inter-connecting distance being defined by a straight line between a first point on the first flexible connection and a second point, corresponding to the first point, on the second flexible connection. The transition portion's length exceeds the length of the straight line. A flexible, serrated standoff supports the wound cover. An absorptive foam ring that acts between the first plane on the cover has in it a medicament selected from the group including an antibiotic material, an antifungal material, and an antimicrobial material.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment device for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient, and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture and methods for treating pain and increasing tissue healing and rehabilitation in patients suffering from injury and/or inflammation of the muscle and/or joints and/or skeletal system. The articles of manufacture include a source of topical heat and a set of instructions in association with the heat source. The set of instructions provides instructions for performing specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation. The methods include applying topical heat to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation in combination with specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation.

Abstract: A no contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A conformal therapy component of an animate body heat exchanger is described. The therapy component is designed for the foot and ankle of a wearer and includes both calf and vamp parts. A packet containing a thermally conductive gel is positioned at a gap between the vamp and calf parts to transfer the thermal energy state and the air pressure at the remainder of the component to the portion the wearer's foot under the gap. A pressure reactor sole also is provided to inhibit the pressure applied to the foot from tending to “flatten out” the foot.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable heater may be included which is suspended above the wound to define a treatment volume, where the heater heats the treatment volume to help treat the wound.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater disposed against the bandage, aligned with a wound treatment area, an adhesive attachment device acting between the heater and the bandage, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater in order to provide a normothermic therapy to a wound. The normothermic therapy includes maintaining the temperature of tissue at the wound and/or near the wound in a range of about 36° C. to 38° C. The controller operates the heater by turning it on and off in a manner that cycles the heater's temperature.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A special bandaging device is provided which includes a canopy, of various shapes and sizes, which has a bottom edge for affixing to the patient's healthy skin surrounding the wound. Once affixed the canopy spans the entire wound without contacting the wound. Adhesive on the bottom edge is exposed after the removal of an adhesive backing, which prior to removal, encloses and hermetically seals the interior chamber of the canopy. The canopy can be formed in blister pack fashion from materials with varying degrees of malleability, with transparency being an available feature, such that the wound healing process can be monitored. An embodiment is provided which includes a fixed base portion that remains attached to the patient's skin, while the canopy is detachable for temporary access to the wound before the canopy is reattached. A locking ring on the canopy mates with a locking groove on the base for this purpose. Other embodiments include an elongated canopy for wounds having significant length.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a joint connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that absorbs energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment apparatus for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in thermal contact with the bandage over a wound treatment area, a heat spreading means acting between the heater and the bandage for laterally spreading heat transferred from the heater to the bandage in order that heat be substantially uniformly distributed across the bandage.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that absorbs energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment apparatus for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective and pressure normalizing device for a body extremity. The device has a three-dimensional gelastic member, and a cover. The three-dimensional gelastic member has a predetermined shape to conform to the body extremity and a plurality of openings. The opening are at least positioned on the top side of the gelastic member. The cover encases the gelastic member and is removable therefrom. The cover also has an upper side, a underside, and a plurality of edges which correspond to the shape of the gelastic member. The underside contacts the body extremity, while the upper side has a plurality of connectors designed to bring one edge of the cover to a predetermined distance from another edge of the cover. Thereby, the protective and pressure normalizing device supports the body extremity.

Abstract: A system for regulating a core body temperature of a person includes a pressure applicator configured to apply negative or cyclical positive pressure to a portion of the person to vasodilate blood vessels of the person within the portion, a heating device configured to supply heat to the portion of the person, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is coupled to the heating device and includes a controller configured to vary the amount of heat supplied by the heating device. The amount of heat supplied by the heating device is varied in response to a difference in temperature between a preset temperature programmed into the controller and an actual core body temperature of the patient received by the controller from a temperature sensor on the person such that the controller maintains the actual core body temperature of the person at substantially the preset temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome is comprised of a support plate adapted to be mounted on the wrist of a wearer. An elevated bridge is mounted on the support plate out of contact with the wrist of the wearer. A soft, flexible patch is adhesively secured to the skin of the wrist opposite the support plate and an elastic device is adjustably connected between the patch and the bridge for applying a negative pressure to the carpal tunnel area.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a joint connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion.